Resources
As back-to-school season approaches, teachers everywhere are gearing up for a brand-new year full of possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or stepping into the classroom for the first time, a little preparation can go a long way toward setting the tone for a successful, low-stress school year.
Here are 10 quick and practical tips that will help you feel confident, energized, and ready to welcome your students with open arms.
1. Prep a first-week box.
The first week of school can be so busy! Plan ahead and put together your favorite back-to-school read alouds, worksheets, and games into a first-week box.
2. Design or refresh your classroom management plan.
Revisit what worked (and didn’t) last year. Update your behavior expectations, consequences, and reward systems to fit your new group of students.
3. Organize your digital files.
Sort through and organize your lesson plans, resources, and templates on your computer or cloud storage so you can access everything easily throughout the year, especially your back to school prep materials!
4. Prepare parent communication tools.
Set up your communication platforms, like email templates, newsletters, or apps like ClassDojo or Remind to keep families informed and engaged from day one. You can even schedule emails to send weeks ahead of time!
5. Set up your teacher planner or calendar.
Choose a system (paper, digital, or hybrid) and plug in key dates like holidays, testing windows, conferences, and grading periods to stay on track.
6. Stock up on essentials.
Make sure you have plenty of classroom supplies – extra pencils, tissues, hand sanitizer, and your personal must-haves – so you’re not scrambling later. Some teachers like to make a Wishlist to share with families over the summer.
7. Create a go-to sub folder.
Prepare emergency sub plans with your schedule, class lists, procedures, and a few easy-to-implement activities. You’ll thank yourself later!
8. Figure out or revisit your “why“.
Reflect on your purpose and passion for teaching. Write down your “why” and keep it somewhere visible, like on a post-it on your laptop, for the tough days.
9. Laminate once, use all year.
Print and laminate frequently used charts, passes, center instructions, and desk references ahead of time. Pair with dry-erase markers to reuse them again and again.
10. Create QR codes for easy tech access.
Create and post QR codes for common student logins, digital tools, or classroom expectations. This will save you from answering the same tech questions 20 times every day.
Getting ready to prep a new school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with a little planning, a few smart hacks, and the right mindset, you can walk into your classroom feeling confident, organized, and excited. These tips and tricks are designed to help you save time, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most: building strong relationships and creating a learning environment where every student can thrive.
